Hunter Valley Wine Country - NSW

Hunter Valley

After a week of devastation in Sydney and the Hunter with torrential rain and flash flooding we were blessed with nothing other than perfection for our weekend at the Hunter Valley.

Upon check in at the Crowne Plaza we were pleasantly surprised with the cleanliness, functionality and location of our three bedroom apartment.

No time wasted we headed to our first winery…“Tempus Two” – and purchased some lovely Moscatos! A quick duck into “Meerea Park”, which was next door and is a relatively small winery. Nevertheless offering some lovely reds in the Shiraz range, one of hubby’s favourites. 

This was followed by a delicious lunch @ “Bistro Molines”.  Wrought iron chairs and candelabras, white painted cupboards and casual flower arrangements, paved courtyard and vines that stretch almost as far as the eye can see. Bistro Molines combines the finest food with relaxed friendly service and European influenced serenity. (Yummy bread with olive oil and aioli was to die for and osso bucco which melted in my mouth… is what Kathy had to say!)

  

                                             

Next stop was “Briar Ridge”. Franks personal favourite….as a member and quietly we all think he has shares in the company…haha, Frank organised a private sitting where we were spoilt with a delicious cheese platter and a great selection of wines to taste. Personal picks were the botrytis range and we are certainly looking forward to these. The staff were absolutely wonderful and did not hesitate on recommending some of their favourite wineries in the Hunter.

With the day almost at an end we dashed into “McGuigan’s” which was a favourite of mine from our last visit. Unfortunately on this occasion our host was a little smug so we spent little time here…didn’t stop me from buying one of my favourite from the botrytis range but probably will give it a miss next time round.

Next door was the “Hunter Valley Cheese Factory” who no longer offer tasting…we purchased two cheeses and very average biscuits which were both overpriced @ $38.00 in total. In actual fact the whole store was overpriced as we saw the same items elsewhere at almost half the price. The staff were very rude and did not accept positive criticism. We were told that we were only the fifth group to complain, which I find difficult to believe as I have since seen many negative reviews. We should have left without buying a single item but nothing else was opened and we wanted some snacks for our evening ahead. What a waste of money and time, one of the cheeses ended in the bin…will not be visiting again!! Very disappointed to say the least.

Dinner was spent at the Crowne Plaza “Lovedale Bar and Restaurant”. Affordable quick meals, champagne, beers and some light music in the background.

Breakfast was booked at “Petersons House” which was perfect…Complimentary tasters, champagne and muesli yogurt. Everyone was extremely happy with their order. Yum..Yum.

With only a hop, skip and jump we were tasting a range of champagnes @ “Petersons”, needless to say a few purchases were made once again.

Next door was the “Hunter Valley Chocolate Company”, all our dreams turned into reality…a little taste of heaven!

Our next stop was at the “Tinklers” winery, a family operated vineyard with a history for all to enjoy. (Terri’s personal favorite…I like to support the smaller businesses and it was such a pretty place). We left the boys to do most of the tasting, whilst the girls explored the luscious atmosphere…and of course sneaked in a few old fashioned selfies! Lol

Last but not least “Hanging Tree” winery. As you enter you see the rustic Blacksmith's house and the historic Hanging Tree, which was rumoured to have hung beasts and bush-rangers in the early days of settlement. We followed the path down past the rose beds, where to the left you can see the old Horse Whisperer's Lodge and pond. Step back in time as you walk into our boutique Cellar Door - housed within an old cow shed filled with nick-knacks and antiques. We were greeted by the ever so lovely Ming who certainly knew her wines and loved her reds. Would probably be safe to say that we tried almost every wine on offer…Ming was not afraid to open a select favourite which was superb, coming from a non- red lover, you know it must have been great. Time flew away as we laughed the afternoon away and quite possibly our bank balance after a good collection was purchased.

Yes that time again….lunch! We dined @ “Oishii” a Japanese / Thai restaurant. This is a must dining experience! I would say the best Thai I have had. DELISH!!!

Next door was the “Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop” where they had a great selection of cheeses, breads, ice-cream and condiments! What a pity this was closed the day before.

One last stop in before our trip home “Hunter Distillery” A great selection of flavoured vodkas and schnapps.

Kathy & Frank said…a perfect weekend with beautiful family and friends! Great company always makes for an enjoyable time, lots of laughs had. The food was delicious and the wine was sensational. Now to start drinking all the wine we bought, not sure how we managed to get it all back but the boys sure know how to stack and pack!

Terri & Paul said…beautiful people, great wines and great locations! What an amazing pretty place, so picturesque. Watching the boys going into the wineries was like watching young little kids going into a candy store, particularly Frank…he was in his element. Overall it was a fabulous weekend, wish I could do it all again next weekend!

What more can John & I say…relaxing, charming, scenic, amazing company and lots of great laughs!! Looking forward to our next trip J J J

                                                                               

Wildflower Wonders xoxo

Superhero - Super Powers!!

SUPERHERO

If you were a superhero and could have any super power, what would it be? 

Why? 

What do you hope to achieve?

Do you ever reflect on life and think WHY?

Why do we live in a world filled with violence, hate and resentment?

Why do we live in a world full of sickness, despair and sorrow?

Why are we not happy with the simple pleasures in life?

Why is it difficult to show support, admiration and kindness?

Why do we find it difficult to lend a helping hand to those in need?

Why do we lack motivation and take the lazy way out?

When times are tough, why is it that we don’t think of those who may be in a tougher situation?

Why is there so much bullying, suicide and self-harm?

Why do we have a growing epidemic with drugs and alcohol?

Why is there so much jealousy, greed & selfishness?

Why is it about you?

Do you think it is possible to change? Can we reflect on our own negative traits and make just a little difference?

Perhaps we can with just a few easy steps!!!

Be generous & care: Give others your time, energy, and the benefit of the doubt. Believe in them, even when they stumble or fail to believe in themselves.

Be open-minded: We all think differently, act differently, and talk differently so let’s try to be open minded.

Be persistent: We all have talent burning inside us, and we can bring it out if we are willing to put in sufficient effort.

Love: You need it, those around you need it, and the world needs it. 

Practice patience & compassion: Assuming the best rather than the worst of strangers who cross our paths decreases stress levels and makes us better people.

Eradicate ignorance and fear: Don't stand by silently! One intervention can change lives.

Treat your body with respect: It's the vessel for your experience in this life.

Volunteer & contribute: More hands make light work.

Surround yourself with positive people: Keep company with those who are optimistic, uplifting and kind.

Parent with respect and connection: Love your kids and parent with good boundaries.Kindness and respect benefits the entire world for generations to come.

Pray: Just pray!

A recent poll of men & women share their super powers with you!!!

The superpower of Healing:

Health superhero. To help live without sickness or pain. Rid the world of cancer.

I wish I could be able to remove pain from not only myself but from others, that way I can sleep without waking up a million times because I'm in pain! Or make a super medicine to do this!

If I were a superhero, I would love the have the power of healing; especially heal children from all cancers and life threatening diseases.  As a mother of 2 daughters, there is nothing worse than having a sick child and the feeling of helplessness. From the time of conception to the time they are born (am i am sure i can speak on behalf of every pregnant woman) and through my many miscarriages and losses, I found myself constantly thinking of and praying that all goes well, that they have 10 fingers and 10 toes and that they are healthy on arrival and live a long happy and healthy life. As a mum I had my stint of times in hospital with my children from broken bones to various childhood sicknesses, but thankfully not life threatening. It must be such a sickening and draining experience for parents whose child/children are terminally ill or so very sick. I truly believe every child should have a happy, healthy start to their life, a chance to make a difference in the world, to enjoy and embrace their life fully and whole heartedly!

If I could have a super power it would be the power to heal. It would be an incredible joy to take pain away from others whether it was physical or emotional pain. Mind reading would also be fantastic!

The superpower of Mind Reading:

I would like to be a mind reader and someone that can give you an invisible slap across the head!! 

This way I could help guide those in need & hopefully prevent bad choices...

&

For all the people who are deceiving or misleading others or those that need a reality check, I could give you a invisible slap across the head...some would be harder than others....hopefully you would wake up to yourself. LOL!!

I'd be able to read people’s minds, so I would be able to be one step ahead and to know what people are thinking about.  I would use my power to achieve greatness and success in my life.

Mind reader. Then I could have one on one conversation with few backstabbers in my life. Karma is a bitch & some people need to be put into their place.

The superpower of Flying / Orbiting:

I would orbit myself from place to place. I could go anywhere for free & I would hope to achieve a no petrol fee.

I'd fly so I could see the world without paying huge air fares!!!

I would like to fly as I would have the ability to get to places quickly where no ordinary vehicle can reach and I could help anyone in danger.

The superpower of Time Travel:

Time travel so I could go back and forth/see into the future as to what mistakes have been made by friends and family, then travel back to the current time to point them in the right direction, and help them before they do the 'wrong' thing.

The superpower of Invisibility:

I would be invisible….so people couldn’t see me…I could achieve the power of knowing everything! Lol…

Invisibility! So I could hide from people in certain situations, scare the crap out of my friends when they least expect it or jump on a plane to Italy without having to pay hehe…Um by being invisible I would want to help others and myself get out of dangerous situations.

The superpower of Wonder / Super Woman:

Wonder Woman!!!! She’s beautiful, strong & confident. Helps anyone in need. Never ages LOL! And I love those accessories. The tiara that knocks you out & returns like a boomerang & those bulletproof bracelets….Bring it on!!! LOL LOL!!!

If I were a superhero I would be wonder woman. My superpower would be to turn mess into neatness because I’m over cleaning!!!

Super woman perhaps, as I juggle a million things a day.

The superpower of Multiply:

Superhero that multiples itself so I can be at three different soccer fields at the same time watching my children play sport that they adore. I don't want to feel guilty every Saturday because I'm with one child and missing other two.

In a nutshell it seems we want to help those in need and overall make life an easier place to live in!! 

                                                                                            Wildflower Wonders - xoxo

Purple (Creativity, spirituality, wisdom,magic)

Purple - Violet

Purple symbolises creativity, wisdom, royalty, spirituality and magic.

Purple is the color of Spirituality. It urges us to find our power within, not the kind of power that needs to control or dominate others, but power rooted in connection to Spirit. A good color to use in meditation. Soothes mental and emotional stress.

Purple is associated with wisdom, dignity, independence and creativity. Purple has been used to symbolise magic and mystery.

Purple is a favorite of creative people. Whether wearing it, living in it, or creating with it, purple is a color for the adventurous heart with spiritual leanings and a flair for drama.

Purple is a combination of blue and red. Red is a focusing, dynamic and active energy while blue is cooling, calming and passive. The combination of liveliness and tranquility allows more creative energy to emerge. For this reason, purple is associated with imagination and inspiration.

Light purple such as lavender is feminine and romantic.

Purple is the color of dignity and self-respect ... it imparts determination and feeling of being in control, clears the mind of negative influences, calms nervousness and relieves stress.

Purple is associated with royalty. It symbolizes power, nobility, luxury, and sophistication. It conveys wealth and extravagance. It is also feminine and romantic. However, because it is rare in nature, purple can appear exotic or artificial.

Violet gem stone properties:

Violet gemstones are associated with mysticism and purification. They are used for meditation and to sharpen psychic awareness, connection with higher self, and to increase imagination and inspiration.

Put some purple in your life when you want:

To use your imagination to its fullest

To re-balance your life

To remove obstacles

To calm over activity or to energize from depression

Orange (endurance, vitality, play,creativity, flowers, boho)

Orange

Orange symbolises endurance, vitality, play and creativity.

Orange Energy:

Orange combines the energy of red and the happiness of yellow.

From the softest peach and coral tints, to deep siennas and tawny umbers, orange is always friendly and welcoming. It provides emotional energy that you can give to others, including compassion, passion and genuine warmth.

Orange lusts for life and its laughter are full-bodied. It promotes happiness and optimism, helps balance general wellbeing, and broadens the mind to cope with life and career.

It is associated with joy, sunshine, the tropics, celebration, comfort, and enjoyment of the senses. It entices us with sensual pleasure: dancing flames of fire, flamboyant autumn leaves, and shimmering goldfish.

A laughing color…which stimulates appetite for the good things in life and increase an interest in sexuality as well as a desire for abundance.

Orange is the best emotional stimulant. Increases self-esteem and confidence and strengthens a sense of identity. It connects us to our senses and helps to remove inhibitions and makes us independent and social.

Orange is the color of creativity, ambition and drive... stimulates creative thinking and enthusiasm, the willingness to embrace new ideas with enjoyment and a sense of exploration and creative play.

Orange gem stone properties:

Orange gemstones contain some of the fiery energies of red, but are gentler with a more creative spirit. They are used to promote personal power and are useful for people who could use more self-esteem. Carry or place orange gemstones around your home or office to stimulate creativity, mental quickness, and ability to adjust to changes.

Put some orange in your life when you want:

To spice things up when you feel time is dragging

To become more involved in something

To increase creativity

Relief from things becoming too serious

Your First Kiss

YOUR FIRST KISS

GIRLS….

Did you make yourself kissable?

Perhaps you put on some lippy, popped a mint in your mouth or even made yourself smell amazing with your favorite perfume.

Did you make eye contact & hint that you wanted a kiss?

Perhaps you exchanged sweet smiles and placed you head on your guy’s shoulder. You may have even reached up, hugged him around his neck and played with his hair. Moving closer suggests that you are ready for more contact.

Have you considered taking the lead?

Let’s face it, some guys are shy and others have been drilled about the unwelcoming touch. In this case you may consider lightly kissing him on the cheek and show him it’s ok.

GUYS….

Did you clean up?

A quick shower, shave and clean clothes with your favourite cologne.

Did you respect the girl’s privacy?

Most girls will not want to make out in front of others…Privacy is the key!

Did you watch for signals?

Perhaps she was flirting with you, biting her bottom lip (well we all know that could get you into trouble…) or she may have even found a reason to touch you often. In that case, get confident, don’t slouch, mumble or refuse to meet her gaze. Gently place your arm around her shoulder, draw her in slowly and go for the kiss.

Unfortunately we don’t live in the perfect world!

So I decided to conduct a survey “You r First Kiss” and have the pleasure of sharing with you all…..

Well your first kiss went a little like this:-

Playing spin the bottle or perhaps kiss or promise….

Ok... First Pash was when I was 14, In someone’s garage party playing spin the bottle .. What did I think - wish the bottle spun to the hottie next to him.. xox

My first kiss was not a great experience. It was during a game of kiss, command or promise. For some reason I was picked to kiss some boy. I didn't mind as I liked him but I was not expecting him to stick his tongue in my mouth. I remember thinking that is the most disgusting thing a person could do! It was quite shocking at that time. Believe it or not I was like 10 and wasn't very happy about it. I think I ran away. Haha… Funny to look back on xx

Parties,campfires and even some slow dancing….

I was 14…..it was at my cousins 40th birthday at the Globe Hotel in Rylstone. His name was Troy and it was a friend of my cousins son (my second) it was behind the old shed there, and it was awful! He was all over my face. I remember thinking why do people do this?!? Bahahahahahah!

My first kiss was at a party on a swing to my boyfriend John in year 8. I had been practicing on an orange for weeks, but when it finally happened he pretty much swallowed my face… Yuk It did get better after that though.

First kiss: I was 15 and we were at a friend’s campfire. It was okay haha… however I was shit scared.

It was in Year 9, at a friend’s party…. It was terrible! Literally a saliva feast.

I was 14 and we were in a nightclub….OMG I nearly choked!

I was 15, slow dancing at Marconi on a Sunday night.... I felt relieved that a boy had finally kissed me and I didn't know if it was good or not as i had nothing else to compare it to.

Where better than the good old couch….

I was 12 and we were at my auntie’s place in the lounge room. Having a tongue in my mouth was pretty disgusting.

It seems school & sport gounds were a safe place to have a sneaky kiss….

Omg that was so long ago! Who remembers that….15 at school. Want me to say it was great? Lol. Was ok I guess for a first kiss. I’ve had worse. One guy was a wet sloppy kisser. Had to wipe my mouth grossed me out…Didn't last let me tell you that.

I was 17 at school (behind the smoker’s area) ewwwww, it looked better in the movies xx

I was 13 Shhhhhh…..School disco….I hated it. Felt yucky.

Here goes... I was 14 and it was at my local train station at the park where the rest centre was, it was after school and the centre was closed. This guy was a real hottie back then but not anymore lol….he is my FB friend haha. It was very quick and left me feeling whether he thought I knew how to kiss. He was the same age!!

I was 6 and we were at school underneath the big round table and I still see the person today! I wouldn't have a clue what if felt like, just remember being under the table.

I was about 10, year 6 I think, primary school, didn't like it much! Got better at it as I got older and liked it a lot lol!!

I was in year 9, yep late bloomer. With a boy named Leigh, it wasn't pleasant lol…. it was in school just outside if my history classroom after lunch! Bwahaha

13 years old (year 7), Behind the toilet cubicle at the local sports reserve. I had no clue what I was doing but I remember the guy's response was "you don't have to swallow me"!!! Hope that helped, cause it gave me a great giggle to reminisce!

And the common denominator was....you guessed it, the good old SLOPPY KISS!!….

Wildflower Wonders -xoxo